Temple Emanuel

Main Shabbat Morning ServiceWith Guest Speaker Rabbi Jamie Kotler
2025-08-23 09:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a special Shabbat morning service with guest speaker, Rabbi Jamie Kotler.
Sermon Topic: Inheritance – A Personal Journey of Discovery and Choice.
We have no control over what we are bequeathed. Or do we?

About Rabbi Jamie Kotler
Rabbi Jamie Kotler teaches Torah and Jewish texts at synagogue communities in the Boston area and beyond. She has served as chaplain at Fireman House (Hebrew Senior Life), and has served on the Boards of The Rashi School, and Mayyim Hayyim, and on the building committee for Newbridge on the Charles at Hebrew Senior Life.
Rabbi Kotler grew up in Brazil and Mexico, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, with little religious practice or knowledge. She began studying Torah as a young mother of three. Her desire to steep herself in the texts and traditions she had missed as a child led her to enter rabbinical school at the age of 54 and was ordained by the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College in June 2016. Before entering the rabbinate, she was a computer programmer (EDS, TX and Hewlett-Packard, CA), a financial analyst (Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, CA), and a consultant to small businesses.
Rabbi Kotler holds a BA in Biology from Brown University and an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. She is married to Harold Kotler, and together they have five grown children and four grandchildren.

Ruach Shabbat Services: Grades K-6
2025-08-23 10:45 - 12:00, 2025-08-30 10:45 - 12:00, 2025-09-06 10:45 - 12:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
For Grades K-6. Join Jon Tatelman on Shabbat morning in Room 22 at Temple Emanuel for a fun children’s service!

Tot Shabbat
2025-08-23 11:00 - 11:45, 2025-08-30 11:00 - 11:45 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a fabulous Tot Shabbat service geared towards children from birth to age 5! We will sing our favorite songs, create beautiful crafts, and have challah and grape juice. After the service, we’ll all go up onto the bimah for a special treat!
August Tot Shabbat leaders:

August 2nd: Rabbi Aliza and Lena
August 9th: Maya Robinson
August 16th: Rabbi Aliza and Lena
August 23rd: Maya Robinson
August 30th: David Rosemberg

Music and Movement with Little Beats
2025-08-24 11:00 - 12:00 | TE Preschool, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for an epic dance class perfect for little ones ages 0-5! It’s a good work out for parents too and a sweet opportunity to get out and play with your child(ren) and friends!
Register Today!
Generously Sponsored by the Cindy Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

Sundaes on Sundays
2025-08-24 18:45 - 19:30, 2025-08-31 18:45 - 19:30 | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
After a long hiatus, Sundaes on Sundays is back! Please join us Sunday evenings at 6:45pm prior to evening minyan for ice cream and toppings. Looking forward to renewing this iconic tradition!

Drop-In Play
2025-08-27 15:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-03 15:30 - 17:30 | Housman Activity Center, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for Drop-In Play to help your little one burn off excess energy in our Housman Activity Center!
Register Today!
This program is generously sponsored by the Cindy Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

Kesher Meet and Greet
2025-08-27 17:30 - 18:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Come meet your Kesher teachers and see our beautiful space before the school year starts. This is a great way for new students to get familiar with Kesher!

Summer Shul
2025-08-30 08:30 - 09:30 | Slater Conference Room, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
‘Summer Shul’, now in our 14th year, is a lay-led Torah Study prior to Shabbat morning services .We meet weekly, beginning June 21 through August 30, from 8:30-9:30am in the Slater Conference Room and via Zoom. All are welcome to join and add your voice to these thought-provoking discussions – or simply come and listen to your fellow congregants as we journey through the parasha together.
Can’t attend in person? Join us on Zoom by clicking HERE→
Zoom Password: [REDACTED]
For further details please contact Martin Paley.
Darshan Schedule Below:

June 21: Shlach – Frank Aronson
June 28: Korach – Velda Shaby
July 5: Chukat – David Diamond
July 12: Balak – Marty Paley
July 19: Pinchas – Steve Bookbinder
July 26: Matot-Masei – Avi Seidmann
August 2: Devarim – David Rozenson
August 9: Vaetchanan – Cliff Corenblith
August 16: Ekev – Sharlene Finkel
August 23: Reeh – Howard Zilber
August 30: Shoftim – Joel Sherman

Yisod 20's & 30's Boozy Bonfire
2025-09-04 19:00 - 21:30 | Ward Street Gazebo, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Come enjoy an evening around the fire with Yisod! Savor refreshing beverages, make delicious s’mores, and play classic lawn games. Free to attend, so sign up now and enjoy all the marshmallows you can eat!
This event is for adults in their 20s and 30s.
Register here→

Teen Shabbat Dinner(Grades 9-12)
2025-09-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Grades 9-12
Join your friends and celebrate Shabbat with us for our monthly Shabbat dinner. We will join together for Shabbat Alive! services and then eat dinner in two locations. Shabbat Shalom!
Cost: $18 per person
Register Here→

Teen Shabbat Dinner(Grades 6-8)
2025-09-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Benjamin Vestry, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Grades 6-8
Join your friends and celebrate Shabbat with us for our monthly Shabbat dinner. We will join together for Shabbat Alive! services and then eat dinner in two locations. Shabbat Shalom!
Cost: $18 per person
Register Here→

First Friday @ Shabbat Alive!: Back to Shul
2025-09-05 18:30 - 20:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us as we come back together again from far and wide for an extra special First Friday as we kick off our 18th season of Shabbat Alive! Come home, come back to shul.
What is First Friday? Start with an inspiring musical Shabbat Alive! Service in the Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary or Minyan Ma’or led Kabbalat Shabbat in the Gann Chapel, then stay for a beautiful post-service Oneg filled with delicious food and fellowship.
Who is First Friday for? First Fridays are for everyone, age 0 on up!
Why come to First Friday? To lift your spirit. To be inspired by ancient words animated with new melodies. To connect with a community of friends – old and new. To stand generation to generation, together.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Rabbi Michelle Robinson and Cantor Elias Rosemberg
View the First Friday 2025-26 Calendar HERE→

Talmud Class with Our Clergy
2025-09-06 08:30 - 09:20 | Hybrid (In Person and Virtual Options), 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Start Shabbat each week with a special hour of learning and discussion on a variety of Jewish issues with Wes, Michelle, Elias, Aliza and Dan as our clergy team connects the lessons of our sacred texts with the realities of our lives. The clergy team will close with a song that leads into Shabbat morning services at 9:30.
Join us on livestream in the Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary

Tot Shabbat with Rebecca and David
2025-09-06 11:00 - 11:45 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a fabulous Tot Shabbat service geared towards children from birth to age 5! We will sing our favorite songs, create beautiful crafts, and have challah and grape juice. After the service, we’ll all go up onto the bimah for a special treat!

Yoga Minyan
2025-09-07 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
With Michelle Silberman Hubbard, Yoga Instructor
Sundays mornings | 9 – 10 am
Our rabbis taught us that the soul is joined intimately to the body. The two move together and each can be used in the service of God. In this innovative morning minyan we will be using our bodies to pray, our voices to chant, and movement to connect with holiness in a Jewish way. Awaken your senses as you awaken your soul. Expect an uplifting morning service and a great sweat. No previous Yoga or davening experience necessary. Dress for comfort. Bring a yoga mat or towel, a small towel, and water. Time to get up and stretch your body! Grab your mat or towel and join in via Zoom. New participants always welcome!
Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Register Here→
Sponsored by Sisterhood Temple Emanuel

Baby Brunch
2025-09-07 09:30 - 10:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for a brunch in the Rabbi Marshall R. Lifson Library Foyer hosted by Yaffa Tilles, Co-Founder of Boston Birth Village! This is a great opportunity to meet other parents with infants, share stories, and enjoy a delicious FREE breakfast together.
Register Today!
Generously Sponsored by the Cindy Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

Holiday Magic
2025-09-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
We’re excited to introduce a new program which is designed to provide parents and children ages 0-5 with age-appropriate activities, songs, stories, and teachings that will infuse each upcoming holiday with meaning!
Register→
Generously Sponsored by the Cindy Levinson Fund for Parenting Education

Religious School Meet and Greet
2025-09-07 16:00 - 16:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Come and meet your Religious School teacher for the upcoming year, and join us immediately after for the Community BBQ!

Touch a Truck at the Community BBQ
2025-09-07 16:00 - 18:00 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us at our Annual Community BBQ for a special Touch a Truck event with the Newton Fire and Police Departments for our little ones! This is the perfect chance to see fire engines and police trucks up close and to meet some local heroes.
Register Here→

TE Community BBQ
2025-09-07 16:00 - 18:30 | In Person – Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join the Temple Emanuel Community for our annual BBQ, as we celebrate the beginning of the year with a great afternoon of food, friends and fun for all ages! Activities will include an obstacle course, Touch-A-Truck with the Newton Fire Department, cotton candy, and kids arts and crafts.
Rain or shine!
Register→
We are looking for volunteers! Interested? Sign up here!
Blanket and Towel Drive Sponsored by Sisterhood and Brotherhood
Join us by donating clean, new or like-new blankets and towels with no rips or stains. Drop off items at the Welcome Home bins located at the Ashford and Ward Street Entrances anytime between September 2nd – 21st. Don’t have items to donate? Shop for Welcome Home online!

Conversation with Avraham Infeld
2025-09-08 20:00 - 21:30 | Gann Chapel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
As one of the most compelling and visionary Jewish educators of our time, Avraham Infeld has spent decades helping Jews of all backgrounds grapple with questions of belonging, peoplehood, and purpose. His unique ability to weave history, humor, and heart makes him especially resonant in this moment of pain and resilience.
Avraham Infeld is former President of Hillel International, Director of Planning for Taglit Birthright Israel, Director of the Hartman Institute, and Founder of Melitz. His classic talk, “The Five-Legged Table” explains the intersection of Jewish Identity via memory, family, covenant, Israel, and Hebrew.
Register→
This program is presented in partnership with IAC New England

Brotherhood Meeting Night
2025-09-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Solomon Youth Lounge, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Join us for Brotherhood Meeting Night in the Youth Lounge.
8:00 pm – Business Meeting
Join us to learn about upcoming Brotherhood events and initiatives. This is an opportunity to also provide feedback on future programming.
8:45 pm – Meeting After the Meeting
Time to play ping pong, foosball, shoot baskets, socialize or just watch the game on TV.
Feel free to join us for either meeting or both!
Snacks and drinks served all evening.
Register→

L’Chaim
2025-09-09 11:45 - 14:00 | Hybrid (In Person and Virtual Options), 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
All are welcome to join us on Tuesdays to connect with friends and be inspired!
Contact Tracy Schneider at tracys120@yahoo.com to RSVP and for more information.
Tuesday, Oct 21 in Reisman Hall – Tribute to the Beatles with Lisa Yves and Emily Marks
Lisa Yves is a highly accomplished musician, vocalist, songwriter and mentor with a diverse range of experiences in the music industry. As a singer and songwriter, Lisa has released over 10 albums of original music across various genres.
Emily Marks is 39 years young and is married to her husband Jacob. She has two beautiful boys Oliver and Maxwell and a dog Poppy. Emily has been singing and performing for over 30 years. She started at age 9 with Lisa Yves and they’ve been singing together ever since. Emily is excited to be performing for the L’ Chaim group again!
12:15pm lunch generously sponsored by the Porter family. Happy Birthday Pearl!
Gourmet Catering By Andrew
Program at 1pm
Join us for lunch. RSVP is required to Tracys120@yahoo.com
Tuesday, Oct 28 in Reisman Hall – Clarinet and a Trio with Clifford Tetle
Clifford Irving Tetle started playing clarinet in fourth grade and his love for it never stopped. Clifford studied at Berklee College of Music and graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. Clifford then moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where he began playing five nights at a week at a club called “Funky Butts” in the French Quarter on Bourbon St.
Clifford was always interested in impacting children using his musical talents and became an elementary music teacher in the Boston Public Schools which led to the creation of the first of three Award Winning Childrens’ CDs.
In 1999, He picked up the bass clarinet and recorded one of the only solo jazz bass clarinet CDs available today. Clifford’s most recent Jazz CD recorded in 2022, “Some Of My Best Friends Are Woodwinds,” features many cuts performed on bass clarinet, as well as tenor saxophone and clarinet along with a rhythm section.
12:15pm lunch generously sponsored by The Residence at Boylston Place, Chestnut Hill, an LCB Senior Living Community.
Gourmet Catering By Andrew
Program at 1pm
Join us for lunch. RSVP is required to Tracys120@yahoo.com
Nov 3 8:00pm on Zoom – “A Rockette Out of Line” with Jennifer Jiles
Former Radio City Music Hall Rockette, Jennifer Jiles, is a multi-award-winning actress, writer and producer, an Emmy Award-winning host, and has worked with such stars at Tim Conway, Tom Poston, Carl Reiner and Samantha Eggar. She is passionate about creating relatable content that entertains while moving her audience to feel connected and validated, and in her funny and inspiring speech, “A Rockette Out of Line”, Ms. Jiles recounts her tenure on the famous kickline and proves that embracing the (Rockette) Rules unleashes the power of performance. Be brave and don’t give up!
You must RSVP for the zoom link to Tracy at Tracys120@yahoo.com
Nov 18 in Reisman Hall – Afternoon Concert of Yiddish Music
Join TE member (and Yiddish singer) Arnie Glick, pianist David Sparr, and clarinetist Glenn Dickson for a joyful, nostalgic, and educational program of beautiful songs from the Yiddish theater, folk tunes, and lullabies. Interspersed with some Jewish humor. What’s not to enjoy!
Kosher catered lunch by Gourmet Catering By Andrew. Lunch is fully sponsored from a generous donation by Sisterhood Temple Emanuel. You must RSVP for the lunch to Tracys120@yahoo.com as space is limited to 50 spots.
12:15pm Lunch1:00pm Performance
Dec 23 in Reisman Hall – Annual L’Chaim Holiday Hannukah Party! Featuring Steve Siagel, Followed by lighting of the menorah
Come schmooze & wish your friends a Chag Sameach!
About Steve Siagel: Steve’s love for Jewish music comes from his late father Lou Siagel, who was a violinist, and the music director here at Temple Emanuel for 27 years. Lou led a professional choir of vocalists for Friday night services, and the High Holidays. Steve continues L’dor V’dor following in his father’s footsteps by sharing his love of music with others.
Steve Siagel is the owner of Siagel Productions, an entertainment and event planning company which he founded in 1976. He is regarded as a pioneer in the Disc Jockey industry in Boston. Steve is a graduate of Boston University’s School of Fine Arts where he earned a bachelor’s degree in piano and musical composition. As an accomplished pianist Steve began his entertainment business by performing Jewish music at bar mitzvah events and offering disc jockey services for kids’ parties.
12:15pm Latkes and catered lunch1:00pm Program
Kosher catered lunch by Gourmet Catering By AndrewLunch is fully sponsored from generous donations by 1 Wingate Way East and West River Care in appreciation for the senior programming.
Jan 6, 13, 27 on Zoom – Talking About Senior Sex with Joan Price
Well known Senior-Sex Coach and Activist, Author of trailblazing Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex
Tuesdays at 8pm on zoom, January 2026
This is a lecture-style event and participants should not be sharing their personal/sexual information.
You may submit questions beforehand to Tracy as well as enter questions on the chat.
Please RSVP to Tracys120@yahoo.com for program zoom link.
Jan 13 in Reisman Hall – Book Talk with guest Jill Ebstein, TE member & author
Jill Ebstein, TE Member, Marketing Consultant and Newton Author of two new books as well as the “AT MY PACE” collection of books, wherein ordinary women share important stories.
Book 1: Alfred’s Journey to Be Liked
Book 2: Hannah’s Journal to Be Happy
We will delve into the teenage characters portrayed in the books listed above and relate those characters to our real lives and how we face the world. Like the protagonist Hannah in Hannah’s Journey, we can ask ourselves if we can…
• Scrap a to-do list and relax.
• Record moments of anger and ask whether we voiced our feelings and felt heard.
How can we decode social cues…body language…eye contact…
Can you face your fears?
Do you feel the burden of perfection?
Do you wish you had do overs in your life ?
Join us for lunch and discussion. RSVP is required to Tracy at Tracys120@yahoo.com

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES are $18 per person. Please consider making a small donation of appreciation to the L’CHAIM Group. Please mail checks of any donation to Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA 02459, ATTN: Eileen Rose/Controller. Please make checks payable to TEMPLE EMANUEL. In memo line please write L’CHAIM GROUP.

Total Body Workout
2025-09-09 14:10 - 15:10 | Reisman Hall, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
With Jill Meyer

A class for all levels. 20 minutes basic fun cardio dance, 20 minutes body sculpting/conditioning & 20 minutes stretch and balance.

Fall 2025 dates: Sept 9; Oct 21, 28; Nov 4, 18, 25
Spring 2026 dates: Jan 8; Feb 5; March 3, 10, 17, 31; April 7, 21, 28; May 19, 26; June 2, 9
Save the dates for a NEW WINTER WORKOUT coming in Winter 2026! Tuesdays 1pm
Jan 6, 13*, 27; Feb 3, 10, 17
*Jan 13th exercise will follow a L’CHAIM program at 2:10pm

No RSVP needed. All are welcome.

These Total Body Workout exercise classes will follow L’CHAIM programs.

We are grateful to Village Bank and the Temple Emanuel Senior Fund for supporting Total Body Workout and Adapted Seated Exercises this season.

Commission on Combating Antisemitism
2025-09-09 19:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Join a state-wide gathering to hear about the important work of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism.
The program is free and everyone is welcome.
Featuring: Senator Cynthia Creem, State Representative Simon Cataldo (Commission Co-Chair), State Senator John Velis (Commission Co-Chair), and moderated by NBC10 News Anchor Jeff Saperstone.
Zoom link will be sent upon registration.
Register→
For more information, please contact Sharon Wyner at (978) 565-4450 or email swyner@lappinfoundation.org.
Program Co-Sponsors
ADL New England
AJC New England
Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)
Hadassah Northeast
Holocaust Legacy Foundation
Israeli American Council (IAC) New England
Jewish Community Center of the North Shore
Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston
Jewish Family Service of Metrowest
Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires
Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts
Massachusetts Antisemitism Synagogue Task Force
New England Friends of March of the Living
North Suburban Jewish Community Center
